An Exeter man caught more than twice over the drink-drive limit and without insurance has been slapped with a driving ban after ignoring a one-way street and crashing into a 190-year-old bridge.
A 30-year-old man has been fined and banned after driving the wrong way down a one-way street through Exeter city centre and crashing into the Iron Bridge, writes Isabelle Pinnock, OPCC court reporting scheme.
Kieran Paddon, of Vicarage Road, St Thomas, Exeter pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without insurance from March 5 this year when he appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that at around midnight, Paddon drove the wrong way through Exeter city centre while it was heavily populated with university students.
Paddon was identified by police and provided a roadside alcohol breath test. He was arrested and taken into custody where his evidential reading showed 81 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms. Checks on the vehicle showed he was not insured to drive at the time.
The defendant has a previous conviction for drink driving from more than ten years ago.
Paddon’s solicitor said: “This is a young man who is feeling very ashamed of himself… He stupidly made the decision to drive to the shops after he had got home.”
The court heard he had been out for drinks with his sister, and the pair were reconciliating their relationship after a period of estrangement.
Paddon, a sports centre manager, was driving his partner’s Renault Clio at the time of the incident and believed he was covered by insurance.
Sentencing, the Chair of Magistrates said: “It is disappointing that you have been convicted before… you are clearly aware of the dangers of drink driving.”
Paddon was banned from the road for 20 months and fined £323. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £189 and court costs of £85.
